People

St. John's Parish began in the Spring of 1988 as a small Orthodox Mission. A group of Orthodox Christians bought a house, set up a chapel, and began having Bible studies, prayer services and various outreach programs with the hopes of building an Orthodox Church. St. John of Kronstadt was chosen as the patron saint of the mission. The mission continued to grow and in October 1991 the present church building was purchased. Through the direction and guidance of several priests the mission was received into the Orthodox Church of America in the fall of 2000 and became the first OCA church in Nebraska.

Fr. James Dank was ordained priest and assigned as rector of St. John's by His Grace, Archbishop Job in November 2000. St. John's has continued to grow and has helped found St. Nicholas Mission in Pella, Iowa in 2003, and continues her missionary efforts in Nebraska. In January 2004, St. John's was a recipient of a mission planting grant allowing Fr. James to devote all of his time and effort to the building up of Christ's Holy Church.

As in many Orthodox Churches in America, you will find a diverse group of people from many different backgrounds. One thing that is noticeable is our sense of community. If you're visiting, new to our Church, or new to Orthodoxy, please stick around after the service so that we can get to know each other!